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Volume 3 | Issue 40 |
October 6, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
Another week of representing the Fabulous Fifth District!
On Saturday morning, I attended Orange County Habitat for Humanity’s groundbreaking for two newly constructed homes. Last year, our office provided a $100,000 grant for this project that is now a reality. I was joined by State Senator Tom Umberg, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Mayor Valerie Amezcua, local officials, and most importantly all of the volunteers who made the dream of homeownership possible for two local families, including one of our own county employees.
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I later provided an update to Still Protecting Our Newport (SPON) at their 48th annual meeting, where I shared about my work with John Wayne Airport. For the sake of public health, we must take advantage of aviation innovations that reduce noise and promote sustainability. If you are interested in SPON’s work in Newport Beach, check out their website here.
I ended my day at the Family Assistance Ministries annual Hunger Walk. Despite the sudden cloud cover bringing us rain, the spirits of participants remained bright. In 2023 alone, FAM served 2.5 million pounds of food to more than 27,000 people and offered rental assistance to 3,900 families. Together, with trusted partners like FAM, we create meaningful change in our communities.
I began my work week swearing in Former Costa Mesa Mayor Libby Cowan to the OC Animal Care Community Outreach Committee. Libby also retired from the City of Irvine where she ran the animal care shelter successfully. I trust her insights and know she will bring me relevant and practical recommendations. Learn about all the OCAC resources here.
On Monday morning, I joined the City of Laguna Beach’s Groundbreaking for the Moss Street Beach Access and lifeguard tower project. Wider stairs, landing spots and bike racks promote easier access to our beautiful county beach. In support of this great project, I issued a letter of support. I am grateful to all the elected officials working on this initiative and bringing this project to life. Construction begins on October 16 – learn more here.
Then, I attended Dental Health & Wellness Newport’s Grand Opening. Local healthcare practices provide essential care, building a healthy happier Orange County. I am glad this third location opened in District 5. Check out their services here.
That evening, I joined in solidarity with UCI Armenian Students Association and the people of Artsakh for a vigil in commemoration of the lives lost in this humanitarian crisis. I remain committed to supporting our Armenian community here in Orange County.
On Tuesday, I had meetings with Hudson News and Left Coast Brewery. We discussed key elements for a partnership with JWA retail and restaurant programs. As your Supervisor, I remain committed to working together to make JWA the best airport in Southern California, and ensuring our airport restaurants and vendors reflect a Taste of Orange County supported by local businesses.
Congratulations to Alignment Health for opening the Alignment Resource Center in Laguna Woods! This location tailors its resources towards the growing needs of our senior population. Residents can drop in or schedule an appointment for meeting with Alignment Health Plan representatives about Medicare, Medicare Advantage and the best plan for their individual needs. I also enjoyed meeting retired Dodgers player Steve Sax!
I then met with Families Forward’s CEO Madelynn Hirneise and Chief Program Officer Nishtha Mahendra. Families Forward exists to help families in need achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through housing, food, counseling, education, and other support services. We discussed the need for greater collaborations around preventive services. Together, we brainstormed solutions for reducing the number of children unhoused, and supporting the growing demand for affordable housing for families in Orange County.
On Tuesday night, I travelled to the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach to present a Proclamation to Ruben Smith of Alvarado Smith in honor of their recent merger with Frost Brown Todd. The County of Orange and myself wish them all great success!
I kicked off Wednesday joining residents in the 27th annual National Walk to School Day at Sonora Elementary School. During my time as a City of Costa Mesa Councilmember and Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board Trustee, I worked on providing our families with Walk to School Day events and safe route surveys. These events encourage a more active lifestyle, while also helping us identify safety issues needing improvement, repair or enforcement on routes to school.
My afternoon meetings included discussions about solutions for county staffing vacancies, possible participation in rehab home reform litigation, prep for our next board meeting, and planning for initiatives and events.
In the late afternoon, I joined Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kemp and Assemblywoman Diane Dixon along with students and staff at the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach in celebrating the Grand Re-Opening of their Innovation Lab. The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe place for our children’s learning and growth, through life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, such as this fabulous lab.
Later, I met with my Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee, where we received a harbor safety and security update. We also discussed updates on dock boxes, the Coastal Commission hotel permit process and status, and parking and traffic control.
On Thursday, I joined Vice Chair Do and our airport director for the ribbon cutting for Brodard Express, the first Vietnamese restaurant at John Wayne Airport. We hope millions of passengers traveling through JWA each year depart with the Taste of Orange County. As County Supervisor, I continue to partner with JWA staff on the airport’s concessions program to provide healthy offerings and additional flavors that reflect the unique culture and character of Orange County.
On Thursday, I also joined the Orange County Sustainability Decathalon for the opening ceremony and the Pacific Symphony concert! For our health and safety, we must think globally and act locally to become a greener, more sustainable Orange County. That’s why I funded the Sustainability Decathlon with a $100,000 grant in support of these conversations and ideas. Hopefully, such innovation inspires changes in the ways the County conducts business and builds, especially for low-income residents, and ultimately safeguards this paradise we call home.
Over the next few days, I look forward to viewing students’ innovative sustainable home designs and touring sustainability-themed structures and exhibits at the STEAM Student Showcase. Register here and attend this free event, open to the public from October 5-8 and 12-15, 2023.
Then I stopped by the Social Services Agency (SSA) warehouse, where I met SSA staff and learned more about what they do.
I wrapped up my Thursday with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce at their Taste of Laguna Food and Music Festival! I caught up with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris and Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, amongst others. We celebrated our Fabulous Fifth District businesses, the beating heart of our local economy and our community. Make sure to add it to your calendars for next year.
This morning, I held my monthly Coffee & Conversations at the beautiful Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano. Today we discussed affordable housing, transportation, fire insurance among other topics. This event is open to everyone and a great opportunity to voice ideas or concerns directly to me. See you at the next one!
After the Coffee and Conversation, I joined Harrison Taylor with ALMQUIST for a tour on the upcoming “River Street Marketplace”, a 60,000-sqft community hub with great restaurants and shopping. Learn more about this project here: https://www.almquist.com/projects/river-street-marketplace
Tonight, I plan to attend the Healing Hearts & Hooves Celebration hosted by Otra Mas in honor of Kathy Holman. Kathy’s nonprofit, Otra Mas Equine Therapy and Horse Rescue, provide retired horses with second-chance careers and provide humans with healing animal therapy. Thank you, Otra Mas, for brightening our community with your services.
My team and I look forward to events throughout the district this weekend, including:
October 7:
Reminder that submit your nominations for my third annual Veterans of the Year Awards! This year’s theme, “The Call to Serve: Recognizing the Roles Musicians & Buglers Play in the Military” honors veterans, reservists and active duty service-members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in selflessly contributing to our community as patriots. Send in your nominations before Friday, October 27, 2023 at 5 p.m. here: bit.ly/2023KFVOTY
+ Save the date for our awards ceremony on November 9, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Dana Point Women’s Club.
Be well,
Katrina Foley Supervisor County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Howdy, District 5! This week, I attended the UCI Armenian Students Association’s Candlelight Vigil in memory of the lives lost in the blockade & invasion of Artsakh. The powerful remarks made by leaders in the Armenian community underscore the gravity of the situation in Artsakh. This weekend, find our District Team everywhere! From Thursday to Saturday, we will participate in the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon – stop by our booth and learn about County resources available on reducing your carbon footprint. On Thursday, our team will host a booth at the Taste of Laguna event in Laguna Beach! Finally, catch us at the Rancho Mission Viejo “Howl-o-Ween" event on Saturday morning at Pavilion Park.
A reminder: nominate a veteran for this year’s Fifth District Veteran of the Year event here and RSVP here.
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
This week, I coordinated with cities in the Fifth District on an upcoming round table discussion on the Climate Reduction Pollution Grant, a competitive, $5 billion program designed to fund the development and implementation of regional climate action strategies, programs, and projects that reduce climate and air pollution, support job growth, and invest in our communities. The County of Orange and regional partners continue to explore this program, and it is critically important that Fifth District cities participate and share their feedback on their priorities.
This program will bring more competitive funding to our region, support the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a climate action plan for Orange County. I am excited to help with this project, and I look forward to providing more updates in the coming months. Have a great weekend!
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola everyone! Hope your weeks are going amazing! We continue working all over the county on your behalf. The highlight of my week, I helped a family fill out their application for the Housing Choice Voucher Program the county recently opened. Being visually impaired and a Spanish speaker, filling out the form presented a big challenge. This story - out of many - highlights the importance of providing those who need it most with assistance, specifically, preventative measures for avoiding families become unhoused. The work continues and I can’t wait for the week ahead!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Greetings District 5! This past rainy-day weekend, I joined fellow intern, Olivia Meis, at the Costa Mesa Historical Society & Museum for their vintage sale for historical engagement within the community. I enjoyed learning about the history of lima bean farming in Costa Mesa and discovering historical photographs of the original Airforce training academy, which takes up much of what is now Orange Coast College.
In addition to getting out in the fabulous fifth, I staffed and prepared the Supervisor for our prior Orange County Juvenile Justice (OCJJCC) special meeting regarding metric overview of community-based organizations for the past year, funded by the OCJJCC body. Board members evaluated success and completion rates and addressed challenges organizations faced in the past year. I always enjoy learning about what we are doing and what we need to improve upon when dealing with our venerable juvenile justice and system involved youth population. Have a great weekend!
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Lauren Taylor
Law Clerk
This week, I continue working on saving the Balboa Island Ferry. Specifically, I focus on finalizing the letters our office drafted for CARB and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. In addition to this important task, I attended a class held by OCBA and OCWLA discussing the implications of AI in the legal field. In the course, we explored what AI is and different kinds of AI technology. By informing ourselves about AI, we can prepare to discuss and elaborate on AI issues as legislation proposals arise surrounding AI and begin to affect Orange County.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5! Costa Mesa Historical Society not only cooks a delicious pot of chili – they also share a wealth of knowledge at their Costa Mesa Historical Society & Museum. Last weekend, Rachel and I attended Costa Mesa Historical Society’s Vintage Market Sale there. Just off Anaheim Ave., local history displays detail life in Costa Mesa, from pre-historic through current times. I recommend their special exhibit, which showcases the history of live music performed at the Orange County Fairgrounds, from “big bands” to pop icons. The Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum and Library opens to the public every Thursday and Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. What better time than the weekend for stepping back in time and exploring this local gem.
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Sanah Akbari
District / Policy Intern
Hi, District 5! This week, I attended a legislative update hosted by the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce. At this meeting, I learned about the environmental protection bills proposed by California State Legislators that are pending the Governor’s signature. Moreover, I shared a legislative update as a representative of Supervisor Foley’s office in Laguna Niguel City Hall. A few examples of the updates I provided included secured funding for theft prevention and public safety measures in the county, as well as the announcement of the Fifth District’s upcoming Senior Summit and Veterans of the Year honor’s event.
As a resident of south county, I remain grateful for the opportunity to listen in on all the hard work our elected officials put into serving our community. Moreover, I cherish the unique opportunity to work on initiatives that serve the district; meanwhile, reaping those benefits as a constituent. My awareness of the issues in the district and how county officials address them enhances how I strive to best serve the community at large.
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Intern
Hello, District 5! This week, I accompanied Supervisor Foley at the Grand Opening of Alignment Health in Laguna Woods, a new senior-focused health service company. The fabulous Fifth District is home to our largest aging population, so this partnership promotes incredible resources for our elderly community. Find out more about our community’s valuable resources for our aging population by joining us on October 27th, 2023 for our Annual Senior Summit at Soka University. Register at Annual Senior Summit | October 27, 2023 | Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley (ocgov.com). I look forward to meeting many smiling faces at this fantastic event! Have a wonderful weekend, District 5.
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Nathan Bui
Communications Intern
Hello, District 5! This week, I joined the Supervisor at this month’s Coffee & Conversations with Katrina in San Juan Capistrano. I enjoyed hearing the thoughts and aspirations of community members about the best ways to tackle the tough challenges facing their city. If great coffee, company and snacks weren’t enough, the breathtaking beauty of our venue -- The Tea House on Los Rios – also blew me away. The sense of warmth and community I felt inside the tea house truly embodies this business’s vision and mission statement: “Building relationships, one cup at a time.” I encourage readers: check out The Tea House’s website for upcoming events and information about their work!
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Health News
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year? This month, educate yourself and your loved ones about the importance of regular health screenings.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
Through the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, the Department of Health and Human Services set an ambitious goal of reducing all new HIV infections in the U.S. by 90% by 2030! To support this goal, HHS provided multiple funding opportunities to jurisdictions, including continued investments in STD specialty clinics.
From the OC Health Care Agency
Following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory action this week on updated 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed recommendations for the use of updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The new season’s COVID-19 vaccine is more closely matched to the strains of virus circulating now and for those expected though winter. The new recommendations also further simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals.
According to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommendations for the updated 2023-2024 vaccines are supported by available safety and efficacy data. The revised recommendations include the following:
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Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
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Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
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Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
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Providers should review CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States when they are updated for the specific scenarios, including vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.
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The bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. Bivalent Novavax vaccine remains authorized for use for those 12 years and older and may still be administered if it is determined that the individual should not wait for a 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or receive a 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Since the expiration of the COVID-19 emergency the purchase and distribution of vaccine has transitioned to the commercial marketplace. Federal rules require insurers to cover the updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine as soon as it is available and at no cost to the patient. The following is guidance depending on your circumstance on finding out where vaccine is available:
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Health care providers including pharmacies can order vaccine directly from the manufacturers.
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Patients with insurance should reach out to their usual provider or pharmacy to find out if or when they will have the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines available.
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The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program which provides vaccines to children who are served by Medicaid or are under or uninsured will be supplying updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines to these children. Parents should reach out to their child’s provider to find out the timing of availability.
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For uninsured and underinsured adults, the CDC has created the Bridge Access Program (BAP) so that uninsured people will continue to have access to no-cost vaccine. BAP vaccine will be available through the HCA, federally supported health centers (FQHC’s), as well as commercial pharmacies that have contracted to participate. Currently, this includes all CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, but additional pharmacies are expected to join.
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The www.Vaccines.gov website is expected to be updated with COVID-19 vaccine availability as the vaccine is distributed to pharmacies and clinics.
COVID-19 continues to be a risk for many people. Currently, the county is experiencing an increase in reports of cases, with an increase in the proportion of people testing positive for COVID-19. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased since July, although remain at low levels compared to past waves of COVID-19 disease. The HCA strongly encourages individuals to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine as available data continues to demonstrate that vaccines prevent the most serious outcomes of COVID-19 such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The HCA will continue to update guidance in cooperation with state and federal partners. In order to ensure Orange County residents have the information needed, the HCA responds to community inquiries through the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on COVID-19 including resources, case counts, vaccination, and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.
E-Bike Safety
E-scooters are the future of active, green public transportation! Riding behavior and safety are top priority, especially when it comes to helmets, sidewalks and speed.
If you’re under 18, please wear a fastened helmet. It’s also important to ride only in bike lanes, bike paths and bikeways. The only exceptions are when passing, when completing a turn and when avoiding hazards.
The e-scooter speed limit is 15 mph, regardless of a roadway’s higher speed limit. Don’t ride with a passenger, on the sidewalk or without your valid driver’s license. If you’re turning, dismount and walk your scooter. Treat crosswalks like sidewalks, hop off when crossing. Like driving any motor vehicle, operate by traffic rules. Remember to equip your scooter with lights and reflectors for nighttime safety.
Nominate a Veteran for the Fifth District Veterans of the Year Awards
I’m happy to announce that this year, I will hold my third annual Veterans of the Year Awards! I look forward to honoring the Veterans of District Five on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 6:00pm. Be sure to save the date!
This year’s theme “The Call to Serve: Recognizing the Roles Musicians & Buglers Play in the Military” aims to honor veterans, reservists and active-duty service-members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in selflessly contributing to our military through music.
I invite members of the public to submit nominations of veterans. Nominees should reside in or have significantly contributed to the Fifth District and are eligible if they have served in the U.S. military on active duty or reserves for any length of time, at any location. Submit nominations here: bit.ly/2023KFVOTY.
The deadline to submit nominations for Fifth District Veterans of the Year is Friday, October 27, 2023 at 5:00pm.
OCTA Free Hikes & Equestrian Rides
Orange County is home to some of the most beautiful protected wilderness areas in the country. Experience and enjoy the natural landscape with OCTA's free docent-led hikes and equestrian rides!
Lace up your hiking shoes or saddle up your horse, and sign up for a free hike or equestrian ride today. Come see Orange County as it was yesterday, and as it will be tomorrow.
OC Animal Care
Enjoy free admission live music at Newport Dunes, tonight through Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. Bring your float or beach chairs to listen to DJ Turntables, Kelly Boyz Band, and Cubensis!
For more information, visit this link.
Through Kennel Connection, visitors can view ready-to-adopt pets right in their kennels every Wednesday and Saturday. No appointment needed to walk through. One-on-one visits available on a first come, first serve basis.
All Summer Long at OC Animal Care
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Penelope!
Late in the evening, our team received a call from a concerned individual about a distressed cat. Our Animal Control Officer promptly responded and found Penelope, a 12-year-old Siamese cat, in extremely poor health, left alone in a parking lot. Penelope was rushed to a clinic to receive the care she needed.
After her recovery, Penelope found a home with a companion cat. However, she was shortly returned when it was discovered she preferred to be the only pet in the home. Back at the shelter, our staff and volunteers have been working diligently to help Penelope emerge from her shy shell. She will need patient, understanding adopters who will work with her to build confidence, gain trust, and heal from the trauma she experienced while on the streets. With some extra TLC, we are hopeful this amazing girl can blossom in her new home!
If you would like to give Penelope another deserving chance of a forever home, please call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1131981.
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24, including those with disabilities or IEP plans, former or current foster children, pregnant or parenting, offender/ex-offender, and those experiencing homelessness, including couch-surfing or at risk of homelessness. To find out more information, call the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or text (657) 210-1295. Email info@readysetoc.com
Tax Filing Deadline Extended to October 16, 2023
The IRS announced an extension to change the filing and payment deadlines to October 16, 2023 for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides in California. This extension applies to individuals and businesses in Orange County! Learn more here.
OC Waste and Recycling
Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but not sure how? Start by checking with your local waste hauler. Many haulers offer free bulky item pickups. For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.
⏰Time for yardwork? OC Waste and Recycling offers free compost and mulch by appointment to OC residents! Schedule a pick up appointment in Irvine or San Juan Capistrano (free compost coming to Brea soon).
🌱Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano is expanding its hours - compost is now available six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.
🌱Free compost is also available at the Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. by appointment.
For more information on Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano, Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine and Valencia Greenery in Brea, along with details on small and large quantities of compost, visit OCLandfills.com/compost.
Domestic Violence Committee Membership Interest
On May 31, 2023, the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board approved to establish a CoC Domestic Violence Committee to focus on ending homelessness for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. The Orange County CoC is seeking a diverse group of individuals to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee within the Orange County CoC geography.
If you are interested in serving on the Domestic Violence Committee, please send the completed Domestic Violence Committee interest form by Friday, September 29, 2023, to CareCoordination@ocgov.com with the subject line “Domestic Violence Committee Interest Form".
Completion of the form does not guarantee that you will be selected to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee, but if you are interested and passionate about the work, we strongly encourage you to complete the interest form.
If you have any difficulties with the interest form, please contact the Office of Care Coordination at CareCoordination@ocgov.com.
From the Anti-Defamation League
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Annual Audit of Antisemitism 2022 Each year, ADL tracks incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault in the US. 2023 data shows alarming increases across the board.
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Hate in the Golden State Over the past two years, California has dealt with a significant increase in extremist activity driven by a variety of factors. This report will explore the range of extremist groups and movements operating in California and highlight the key extremist and antisemitic trends and incidents in the state throughout 2021 and 2022. It also includes especially noteworthy events and incidents from 2023.
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ADL and GLAAD Report: Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate and Extremism Incidents, 2022-2023 Between June 2022 and April 2023, ADL and GLAAD documented at least 356 anti-LGBTQ+ extremist and non-extremist incidents motivated by hate across the United States. Incidents about anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism are an important part of a larger story about the heightened threats facing the LGBTQ+ community in the US today.
OC Parks is Hiring!
OC Parks Ranger
Park Rangers play an important role in protecting Orange County’s 60,000 acres of parks, open space and beaches. They work hard to keep parks safe, clean and enjoyable for 15 million visitors each year. Learn more here.
OC Parks Rangers are sworn peace officers and perform a wide variety of duties at different types of facilities, including regional and wilderness parks, camping parks and beaches. Candidates will be required to participate in a written test, oral interviews and a comprehensive background investigation that includes medical and physiological examinations. Successful candidates will join a high performing team that serves our communities seven days a week.
OC Parks Maintenance Workers
The Park Maintenance Worker I position performs routine unskilled and semiskilled grounds maintenance, landscape, and facility maintenance, along with repair work.
Mesmerica - OC Planetarium Show
A local production company based out of Orange County, Mesmerica, is currently hosting a show at the OCC Planetarium! Stop by for a chance to view the extremely relaxing 3D art and family show. Check out the following link to get 15% off tickets to the show!
Domestic Violence Committee Membership Interest
On May 31, 2023, the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board approved to establish a CoC Domestic Violence Committee to focus on ending homelessness for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. The Orange County CoC is seeking a diverse group of individuals to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee within the Orange County CoC geography.
If you are interested in serving on the Domestic Violence Committee, please send the completed Domestic Violence Committee interest form by Friday, September 29, 2023, to CareCoordination@ocgov.com with the subject line “Domestic Violence Committee Interest Form".
Completion of the form does not guarantee that you will be selected to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee, but if you are interested and passionate about the work, we strongly encourage you to complete the interest form.
If you have any difficulties with the interest form, please contact the Office of Care Coordination at CareCoordination@ocgov.com.
BenefitsCal
Last month, Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. This new website replaces the former portal, MyBenefitsCalWIN, as a new simple way for our residents to apply for, view and renew benefits for health coverage, food and cash assistance. Households interested in applying for benefits assistance can now create an account at www.BenefitsCal.com and submit their application or link their old MyBenefitsCalWIN case to their account. For more information about BenefitsCal, including new features and capabilities, click here.
Explore the Ocean from the Water!
Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome!
Must be at least 3 years old to participate. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more here.
Orange County Resources
UPDATED LINK: Alert OC
Sign up for AlertOC to get notified in case of emergency in Orange County. The mass notification system is designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed in the event of a time-sensitive emergency. YOU MUST OPT IN TO RECEIVE ALERTS. Register today at this link!
Equity in OC
Are you in charge of a grassroots organization? the Equity in OC initiative is releasing a POWER BUILDING FUND to provide smaller, grassroots organizations with the opportunity to build their infrastructure and/or capacity
Learn More: Here
Committee Appointments
If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share, in relation to the committees below, please email me at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
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